UMass/Herald Senate Debate Set for Monday

The two Democratic rivals for the U.S. Senate special election will face off Monday night in a pivotal debate clash at UMass Lowell co-sponsored by the Boston Herald.

The debate, coming just weeks before the Apr. 30 primary, will be live streamed on bostonherald.com and feature questions from University of Massachusetts Lowell students and moderator Jaclyn Cashman, a media consultant and panelist on the Herald’s new “Press Party” Web show.

The event, held before an audience at UMass Lowell’s Durgin Hall, will be one of the last chances for voters to see the two Democratic candidates, U.S. Reps. Stephen F. Lynch (D-South Boston) and Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) in a face-to-face matchup before the primary to decide the Democratic nominee for the June 25 election.

“UMass Lowell seeks to provide students with unique experiential education opportunities, and this debate will certainly do so, whether as the panelists questioning the candidates or as those in the audience listening to their responses,” UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan said. “We also welcome students from other institutions and the public to the debate to see the candidates discuss the issues in person.”

The 7:30 p.m. debate, sponsored by the Herald and the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion, is open to the public, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boston Herald Publisher Patrick J. Purcell said, “The Herald is pleased to partner with UMass Lowell once again to encourage young people to engage in the political process and become active, informed citizens and voters.”

Three student panelists will pose the questions to the candidates, and Cashman, a former television reporter, will serve as moderator. Viewers will also get the chance to send in questions on Twitter.

Free public parking is available in the Wilder Lot. Any schools or colleges interested in bringing groups of students to the debate should e-mail patricia_coffey@uml.edu.